Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood has felt like an extension of our own home for the past eight years. Daniel Tiger was the very first TV character my eldest child adored. My middle child discovered him just as his brother began to outgrow the show, allowing Daniel to remain a beloved figure in our lives. Now, my youngest is almost at the age where he can start to enjoy Daniel too. Throughout my journey as a parent, the cheerful melodies of Daniel’s songs about sharing, managing emotions, and navigating preschool challenges have been a constant presence.
I was even moved to tears when Daniel’s little sister, Baby Margaret, made her debut. Seriously, it was a touching moment.
Since Daniel’s world is brought to life by the Fred Rogers Company, it resonates deeply with me. It’s heartwarming to see familiar characters from my own childhood portrayed as adults in a neighborhood that celebrates children’s feelings and experiences. The show includes various family dynamics, and I’ve never doubted the messages my kids absorb from it.
When I learned that Daniel Tiger’s neighborhood would introduce an autistic character, I felt a mix of hope and skepticism about whether my son would see someone he could relate to.
My son, Oliver, is five years old and autistic. We don’t label his functioning level, as these terms can be misleading and don’t accurately capture the diversity of autistic experiences. I want to share a bit about Oliver to clarify my concerns about him connecting with Max, the new character.
Often, autistic characters on television are depicted as either highly verbal and focused on their interests or as completely non-verbal and sensitive to sensory stimuli. Neither of those portrayals aligns with Oliver’s reality.
Oliver communicates effectively most of the time and talks incessantly, but he does face some speech delays. His conversations don’t always mirror what you’d expect from a typical five-year-old, and he doesn’t rattle off facts about his favorite subjects. While he usually handles sensory experiences well, he thrives when he can do things in his own way.
People often assume things like, “Oh, he just has mild autism, right?” when they see him engaging clearly. But when he needs space or doesn’t respond immediately, they might express sympathy about his autism or think it’s tough for me as a parent. These assumptions can be frustrating.
Oliver is fully autistic, which means different things for each individual. For him, it signifies a need for time, understanding, and comfort to thrive.
With all this in mind, last Friday, I took Oliver to my bedroom, where we cuddled under a soft blanket as I played the episode featuring Max’s introduction. (Fun fact: the character is voiced by an actual autistic actor, which I found essential for this viewing!)
Max’s debut in the neighborhood was wonderful. When the teacher announced Max’s autism, I excitedly said, “Look! Max is autistic!” Oliver’s face lit up with joy, and he exclaimed, “Just like me, Mommy!”
When Max arranged his favorite buses in rainbow order, Oliver beamed and recited, “The colors of the rainbow! Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple!” He immediately recognized the similarity between himself and Max.
Later in the episode, there was a scene where Max struggled with a loud, bright environment. Although Oliver typically isn’t bothered by such things, he understood that Max needed a moment away from the commotion. When his aunt took him outside, Oliver said, “Now Max is happy!”
He watched the entire episode with a smile, and afterward, we discussed autism, echoing his favorite phrase: “Autistic is awesome, and different is not less!” That evening, he chose to rewatch the episode, laughing along as the characters found creative ways to include Max in their play.
Having a character like him on television means the world to Oliver, and as a parent, I’m grateful that Daniel Tiger can provide this representation. But it’s equally important for neurotypical kids to learn about autism through characters like Max.
Beyond Max, PBS features other autistic characters such as AJ on Hero Elementary, Julia on Sesame Street, and Dennis on Dinosaur Train. By the time children start school, they will have seen numerous portrayals of kids like Oliver, which is crucial for fostering understanding and kindness in school environments.
As Oliver prepares to enter elementary school, the more children understand autism, the better his experience will be. It’s essential for media to reflect neurodiversity, just as it’s critical to represent various races, genders, and lifestyles.
We truly appreciate Daniel Tiger’s new friend, Max, and hope to see more of him in future episodes.
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In summary, the introduction of Max to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood provides valuable representation for autistic children, helping them see themselves reflected in media and fostering understanding among their peers. This positive portrayal is crucial for creating a kinder, more inclusive environment for all children.
Keyphrase: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood autism representation
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